MPRI Upgrades the International Longshoreman’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance’s Crane Simulator Technology

(January 8, 2007) -- ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Jan. 8, 2007 — MPRI, a global leader in maritime simulator products, services and turnkey training facilities, today announced that the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) & United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has purchased a complete upgrade for its MPRI crane training simulator. MPRI revamped the software and hardware components of the more than 15-year-old simulator, providing new technological capabilities that will help prepare and train operators at all the alliance’s ports. The ILA/USMX’s crane simulator resides at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAG) training facility in Linthicum Heights, Md.

The newly installed hiCRANE2 software provides advanced technologies that will enable users to stay on course with the latest developments in crane production. Some of the features include a ZPMC crane model, a library of various vessels types common to the Port operations and an advanced logging system. The system, with load manifest included, mimics ports logistics operations. And the software also enables users to build a flow chart, creating the feeling of a real-time operation. Other parts of the software upgrade include new environmental capabilities which create weather scenarios for all weather conditions. The entire system is Windows-based for easy compatibility with existing programs.

The hiCRANE2 hardware upgrades feature a new modern mock up cab design modeled after real-life crane. Available with 3 or 6 DOF, the new system replaces hydraulic lifts with an electric motion base. This moves the pivot point from the front of the simulator to the rear, allowing for quicker movements which create a better sensation and a more pronounced life-like feeling.

“There are many advantages to this upgrade, one of the biggest being that the MPRI crane simulator can now be tailored to meet all the needs of our various ports’ crane systems, without purchasing a new simulator to achieve this,” said Thomas P. Sullivan, director of labor relations for USMX. “MPRI delivered on its promise to provide a cost-competitive, technologically advanced, durable crane simulator which will provide true-to-life training scenarios for our operators.”

“As the need for new operators increases and surplus at the ports continues to grow, training is becoming an even more crucial factor for companies determined to keep workers safe and equipment intact,” said Terry Tucker, senior vice president of MPRI. “Simulation training in a virtual, almost real environment is an optimal tool for efficient crane operation.”

About MPRI
MPRI, an L-3 Communications company is a leader in maritime and driver simulation technology products, services and training capabilities. L-3 Communications company (NYSE: LLL), of New York, N.Y., is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. More information about MPRI is available at www.mpri.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company’s recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

# # #

-- Posted on Monday, January 8 2007